Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with nearly 300,000 residents and is located in south central Alaska. The average temperature in the summer in Anchorage is between fifty five and seventy eight degrees Fahrenheit (57-78 F) and in the winter averages between five and thirty degrees Fahrenheit (5-30 F). If you are planning on visiting Anchorage, the summer offers an ideal time for visitor services and outdoor activities.

Traveling to Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is one of the most accessible cities in Alaska. With nearly 300 flights, visitors from all over the world land daily at the Ted Stevens International Airport. You may also travel to Anchorage by Cruise Ship or by water using the ferry system via the Alaska Marine Highway. There are also rail and motorcoach accessibility from Seward or Whittier.

The Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum is Alaska's largest museum and contains over 600 indigenous artifacts from the Smithsonian Institution's collection. The Imaginarium Discovery Center within the Anchorage Museum is a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits that children of all ages will enjoy.

Chugauch Sate Park

There are many activities to enjoy at Chugauch State Park. This park is one of the most accessible parks in Alaska and included almost every imaginable activity an outdoor enthusiast could ask for. There are over 200 miles of trails at Chugauch that are available year round. The trails are great for hikers, cyclists and runners. You may also camp in many different areas of Chugauch and the park is open to skiers and snowmobilers.

Hiking in Anchorage, Alaska

The hiking opportunities in Anchorage are excellent. One of Anchorage's most popular day hikes is Flattop Mountain which is located just 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage. Flattop Mountain has trails for both the novice climber and climbers who have experience reaching the summit. Two of the popular destinations on Flattop Mountain are the Powerline Pass and Williwaw Lakes. Both of these destinations are accessible from Glen Alps Trailhead.

Another great hike awaits you at the Eklutna Lake and Glacier. There are 6 main trails in this scenic mountain top lake and there are trails open to off-road vehicles such as ATV's, Bicycles and Kayaks. There is also camping around Eklutna Lake along with other lodging options.

Fishing in Anchorage, Alaska

Like many parts of Alaska, Anchorage has a large number of fishing opportunities. There are a wide variety of fish available in the area including Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Chum, Pink Salmon, Halibut and Trout. All of these fish and more are available in the waters in and around Anchorage.

You won't need to travel far to begin fishing for salmon as Ship Creek is located in downtown Anchorage. There are also many creeks in Anchorage such as the Campbell Creek Greenbelt. The Greenbelt runs through Anchorage and has many accessible areas for viewing or fishing for salmon or rainbow trout. Another great creek to fish is Bird Creek. Bird Creek is also located in Anchorage and is one of the busier fishing spots you will find in Anchorage.

There is also plenty of lake fishing available in Anchorage. Jewel Lake, University Lake and Campbell Point Lake are all located in Anchorage. Within the lakes you will find rainbow trout, salmon and arctic char. Outside of Anchorage you will also find the Mat-Su lakes and great fishing can also be found on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage.